The Audio Playground Synthesizer Museum

E-MU

Founded in 1972

Based out of Scotts Valley, California U.S.A
merged with Ensoniq in 1998 to become E-mu/Ensoniq

E-mu Systems Proteus 2000

The new E-MU Proteus 2000 is a powerful 128 voice Expandable Sound Module
designed to meet the needs of the most demanding modern composer. The Proteus
2000 is the result of a decade of refinement in our sound module technology, and the
innovative features, outstanding sounds and remarkable value are sure to astound
you. Proteus 2000 offers you the unique combination of 128 voice polyphony, an
ultra-fast 32-bit processor, extensive real-time controls and an enormous 32 MB
palette of versatile sounds (expandable to 128 MB). Together, these features allow
you to play back complex sequences with timing and expressivity unmatched by any
other sound module. And as a member of the Proteus family, you trust Proteus 2000
to deliver its powerful features and pristine sound quality with the ease of use and
reliability that you have come to expect from E-MU. Proteus 2000 is the most
powerful and versatile sound module we've ever created to help you realize your
musical inspirations - the heir to the Proteus legacy has arrived!

128 voice expandable sound module

Specifications:

128 Voices Proteus 2000 offers the modern composer 128 voice polyphony that was previously only
available in E-MU's pinnacle Emulator 4 samplers, giving you the power to sequence gigantic scores and layer
complex sounds without the frustration of voice robbing. Proteus 2000 delivers these 128 voices with unparalleled
MIDI response time thanks to its 32-bit Motorola processor, playing back your complex sequences with exemplary
timing and accuracy. In addition, the 32 MIDI channels (2 MIDI IN, 2 MIDI THRU, 1 MIDI OUT) give you
ultimate flexibility in connecting to other MIDI gear and make Proteus 2000 the perfect center piece of your MIDI
studio. Proteus 2000 also features a S/PDIF digital output for instant integration into the digital studio
environment. Proteus 2000 allows you to concentrate on your art instead of being distracted by the limitations of
your equipment.

Play back your complex sequences

Sound Proteus 2000 enters your studio with the 32 MB Composer soundset, 1024 presets and 512 user
presets that provide you with the most comprehensive and versatile sound palette ever collected in one sound
module. From lush strings and pristine pianos to synth stabs and hip-hop scratches, Proteus 2000 offers you an
exhaustive array of sounds for every music genre you play, all with E-MU's legendary sound quality. Worried
about finding the sounds you need? Proteus 2000 features SoundNavigator, a search engine that allows you to
quickly find the preset that you're looking for by category - you can even create your own custom categories.
SoundNavigator works in concert with the Audition button on the front panel, allowing you to easily find and
verify the right sound in a matter of moments.

Proteus 2000 also breaks new ground with simple storage and instant recall of your Multi-Mode setups. Simply
name your current setup and Proteus 2000 automatically saves the preset numbers, pan settings and preset volume
levels of all 32 MIDI channels in addition to all your Master Menu setting in one of the 128 multi setup locations.
You can then assign a bank number to your setup, allowing you to recall your entire Multi-Mode setup with a
single MIDI Bank Select command from your sequencer or controller, without the hassle of having to program 32
different program changes, volume changess and pan setting. And Proteus 2000 provides you with an intuitive,
user-friendly interface that encourages you to use these powerful new features.

Play back your complex sequences

Proteus 2000 - Main Screen

Expandable E-MU's sound designers labored over the 32 MB Composer soundset to provide you
with the most comprehensive collection of sounds available, but that was just the beginning. Proteus 2000 also
has three additional 32 MB ROM slots, allowing you to add 96 MB of additional sounds - that's 128 MB of
sounds at your fingertips! You can find any sound using SoundNavigator without having to designate the
particular ROM, as all sound ROMs are seamlessly integrated into the Proteus 2000's library of available sounds.

Need even more flexibility? You can author your own custom soundROMs for Proteus 2000 using E-MU's new
E4 Ultra samplers, giving you access to the world's largest sampler sound libraries. You can take your own
favorites samples, create presets optimized for Proteus 2000's powerful architecture, and take them on the road in a
one rack space unit. Never before has a sound module offered the flexibility of unlimited ROM support!

Real-time Controls Proteus 2000 gives you instant access to 12 real-time controls from its front
panel, allowing you to tweak your sounds without ever having to enter the edit screen. You can assign these
real-time knobs to control almost any parameter, allowing you to customize your Proteus 2000 for your specific
requirements. You can also set Proteus 2000's real-time controls to transmit MIDI controller messages to your
sequencer to record all your real-time modifications. Make your piano brighter, change your string section from
pizzicato to legato, or speed up the LFO of your favorite synth pad - Proteus 2000's real-time controls encourage
you to experiment with your sounds and achieve new levels of expressivity.

Deep Editing Beyond Proteus 2000's comprehensive real-time controls are its deep editing features
that allow you to edit envelopes (filter, amp and aux), layers, keyboard tunings, the 24-bit dual stereo-effects
processor and more. When in Deep Edit mode, you can use the four front panel control knobs to quick-edit your
presets more quickly and intuitively. Proteus 2000 allows you to use up to four layers and 96 patchcords per
preset to create incredibly complex sounds. Choose from Proteus 2000's powerful 6-pole filters to give your
sounds the expressivity that only E-MU filters can deliver. Once you have modified your preset, you can save it to
one of your 512 user presets for instant recall. Proteus 2000 allows you to add outboard effects, EQ and other
processing by sending different channels out of any of its six analog outputs. Whether you play it straight out of
the box or customize every feature, Proteus 2000 will satisfy your hunger for easy-to-use power and professional
features.

Proteus 2000 redefines the state-of-the-art for professional sound modules by offering you 128 voice polyphony, up
to 128 MB of sounds, the ability to play custom soundsets, extensive real-time controls, and a host of professional
features including 24-bit stereo FX and filters, along with the ability to customize these tools to your liking. Most
importantly, Proteus 2000 sounds incredible. Regardless of which genre of music you play, whether you perform
on stage or in the studio, Proteus 2000 offers you more power to achieve sonic satisfaction in one rack space than
you ever thought possible.

Controls

Power Switch, (4) Real-time Controllers, Data Entry
Control, Master Menu Select, Edit Menu Select,
Audition Riff/ Program Change View, Multi Setup
Select, Cursor Control, Save/Copy, Home/Enter,
Master Volume, Backlit 2 x 24 Character LCD

Menus

Main Menu -
Preset Selection, Bank Selection, Instrument Category
Selection, ROM/USER Selection, MIDI Channel
Selection, Channel Volume, Channel Pan.

Master Menu -
Transpose, Tune, Master Bend Range, Master
Velocity Curve, Mix Output, FX Mode, FX
MultiMode Control, Master FX A Algorithm, Master
FX B Algorithm, MIDI Mode, SYSEX ID, MIDI
Enable, MIDI Bank Select, MIDI Program -> Preset
Remapping, Preset Change Enable, RealTime
Controller Assign (A-H), MIDI Footswitch Controller
Assign, Tempo Control (up/down), Knobs Preset
Quick Edit, Knobs Deep Edit Enable, Knobs MIDI
Transmit Enable, Preset Edit all Layers Enable,
Calibrate Knobs, Send MIDI/SYSEX Data, User Key
Tunings, Output Format (analog, S/PDIF, AES Pro),
Demo Sequence (1-4), Master Tempo Screen Viewing
Angle

Multi Menu -
Name Multi

Save/Copy Menu -
Save Preset, Copy Preset, Copy Layer, Copy Patch
Cords, Save Multi, Copy Multi

Edit Menu -
Preset Name, Instrument (Layer 1-4)

Per Layer Parameters:
Key/Velocity/Real-time Controllers, Crossfade/Switch
zones, Transpose, Tuning (Course/Fine),
Volume/Pan, Amplifier Envelope Mode (Factory,
Time, Tempo), Amplifier Envelope (6 rates, 6 levels,
repeat), Chorus + Width, Sound Start Offset and Delay
(Delay = Time, Tempo), Non-Transpose Enable, Solo
Mode, Multiple Trigger, Melody (last, low, high),
Synth (last, low, high), Finger Glide, Assign Group,
Glide Rate/Curve, Filter Type, Filter Frequency,
Filter Resonance, Filter Envelope Mode (Time,
Tempo), Filter Envelope (6 rates, 6 levels, repeat),
Auxiliary Envelope Mode (Time, Tempo), Auxiliary
Envelope (6 rates, 6 levels, repeat), LFO1 Sync (Free
Run, Key Sync), LFO1 Shape (16 waveforms), LFO1
Rate (Time, Tempo), LFO1 Delay (Time, Tempo),
LFO1 Variation, LFO2 Sync (Free Run, Key Sync),
LFO2 Shape (16 waveforms), LFO2 Rate (Time,
Tempo), LFO2 Delay (Time, Tempo), LFO2
Variation, Patch Cords (96, >60 sources, >60
destinations), Pitch Bend Range, Mix Output

Preset Common Parameters:
Effects: FXA (>30 Algorithms, Delay, High Frequency
Damp, FXB -> FXA Send, Send Amount), FXB (>30
Algorithms, Feedback, LFO Rate, Delay, Send
Amount), Initial Controller A-L, Keyboard Tuning
(Equal, Just C, Vallotti, 19-Tone, Gamelan, User
1-8), Preset Link 1 (Preset #, Key Range, Velocity
Range, Volume, Transpose, Delay Time & Tempo),
Preset Link 2 (Preset #, Key Range, Velocity Range,
Volume, Transpose, Delay Time & Tempo), Audition
Riff Selection, Play Solo Layers

Proteus 2000
Technical Specifications

Audio Channels:
128
MIDI Channels:
32
Presets:
1536 (512 RAM - user,
1024 ROM)
Layers:
4
Sound Memory:
32 MB (exp. to 128 MB)
Internal
Expansion Slots:
3 additional
Expansion Format:
ROM SIMM (32/16 MB),
Flash Memory SIMM
(16/32 MB)
Filters:
6th Order (17 different
types)
Data Encoding:
16-bit linear, 18-bit
DAC's
Signal to Noise:
> 92 dB
Freq. Response:
20Hz - 20kHz (+2/-1dB)
THD + Noise:
< 0.02% (1 kHz sine
wave, A- Weighting)
Power
Consumption:
15 Watts
Voltage Input:
90VAC - 260VAC at
50Hz - 60Hz
Maximum
Output Level:
+4dB
Output
Impedance:
1000 Ohms
Effects Engine:
24-bit internal
processing

Audio Inputs

Effects Return 1 In (stereo), Effects Return 2
In (stereo)

Audio Outputs

6 Polyphonic:
Configurable as three
pairs of stereo with
programmable
panning
Stereo Digital S/PDIF:
AES Pro Compatible
MIDI Jacks:
In x2, Thru x2, Out

Rack Dimensions

Height: 1.75", Width: 19", Depth: 8.5"

E-mu Systems Proteus 2000 $995.00 List price
Made in 1998